Gráfica Almondina has chosen to drive its digital transformation with an investment in an AccurioJet KM-1e colour UV inkjet printer and an AccurioPress C4080 colour digital production press from Konica Minolta.
The Portuguese religious printer, established in 1919, has an important social presence in the local community. At the end of 2023, it decided to enhance the quality of its print, increase its production flexibility, and expand its application capabilities with investment in Konica Minolta’s digital printing technology.
“We have invested in our print production capabilities to adapt to the changing market and better meet the needs of our customers,” said Priest Ricardo Madeira, CEO. “We wanted to increase our flexibility with regards to producing a wider range of run lengths – particularly short and middle runs – and to expand into new applications. We also wanted to be able to offer a wider choice of printed applications to market.”
Gráfica Almondina also plans to offer a highly responsive and sustainable approach to production, with long runs completed on existing litho technology mid and shorter, and even runs of one, produced on the new digital additions. “We can now comfortably produce anything from single prints to runs of millions,” says Priest Madeira. “We also wanted to be able to manage a wider range of substrates including synthetics so we can add new application possibilities.”
Priest Madeira is looking forward to introducing savings as well: “We will be able to reduce waste and save up to 60% on the energy consumed in comparison to litho production. Both presses are so easy to use and set up is as much as 40 minutes faster which means our operators can get them up and running and then be free to work on something else.”
Working with a trusted partner was important too. He says: “One of the main reasons we chose Konica Minolta was that we knew we wanted to work with an expert in digital transformation. We could then trust that we would be fully supported throughout our journey in making digital printing a more integral part of our offering. That includes expanding our sales team to have a greater focus on digital print. We know we need to develop a strong digital mindset and Konica Minolta is the best positioned and the right partner to help us do that.”
Masashi Morii, Head of Centre of Competence KM-1, at Konica Minolta Europe, said: “Making a significant commitment to digital transformation is a huge step for any operation, but particularly so for one like Gráfica Almondina that has been producing print for more than 100 years and is now seeing the potential that digital printing affords."
From left to right: Fr. Ricardo Madeira – CEO, Ana Conde – Finance and HR Director, Hilário Galiano – PP & IP Sales Manager, Rui Panão – IP Sales Consultant Commercial & Packing
